Process of wear and repair – often inaccurately referred to as the wear and tear arthritis, osteoarthritis should more aptly be called the wear and repair arthritis, because the condition is a slow repair process that the body utilizes to mend joints that have gradually become damaged.
In most cases, the repair process presents no symptoms. However, if there is a particularly traumatic injury to a joint and the body’s ability to carry out proper repairs is undermined, subsequent damage to the affected joint will continue and the patient will experience symptoms.
When there is damage to cartilage – the protective surface that cushions the ends of bones in your joints and allows the joints to move smoothly – osteoarthritis occurs. The smooth surface of the cartilage becomes rough, causing irritation. If the cartilage wears down completely, the bone in the joint may be rubbing against another bone, causing damage and pain.
The joints may become twisted where the bones start protruding, forming osteophytes (bony lumps). The bones gradually thicken and become broader, making the joints stiffer, less mobile, and painful. If fluid accumulates in the joints they will swell.
Experts are not sure why the repair process breaks down. They believe several contributory factors are involved:
- Injury – a joint may have been previously damaged because of an injury or surgical intervention.
- Overuse – a joint may have been overused after an injury or operation.
Rheumatoid arthritis – if the joints of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis have been severely